Unit 7 module 46 & 47 & 48 Flashcards
(57 cards)
What is formed when a number of pollutants are involved and undergo a series of complex transformations in the atmosphere?
photochemical smog
A situation in which a relatively warm layer of air at mid-altitude covers a layer of cold, dense air below.
thermal inversion
The layer of warm air that traps emissions in a thermal inversion.
Inversion layer
What is particularly common in some cities, where high concentration of vehicles exhaust and industrial emissions are easily trapped by the inversion layer.
Thermal inversions that create pollution events
What does warm inversion layers do?
traps emissions that accumulate beneath the layers
What kind of strategies are people implementing for innovative pollution control measures?
- Reduce gasoline spilled at pump…
- reduce wood-burning stoves and fireplaces
-limit automobile use…
Ways of controlling emissions
- Remove sulfur dioxide from coal by fluidized bed combustion
- Install catalytic converters on cars
- use baghouse filters
- install scrubbers on smokestacks
ways to address air pollution
- avoid emissions in the first place
- use cleaner fuel
- increase efficiency
- control pollutants after combustion
what are some harmful effects of acid deposition?
- lowers pH of lake water
- decreases species of diversity of aquatic organisms
- damaging, statues, monuments, and buildings
- mobilizing metals that are found in soils, releases into surface water
How does the formation of acid deposition work?(Simplified)
The primary pollutants (Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) which come from cars and factories releasing gas into the air, can change into acids. When these acids fall to the ground they transform into secondary pollutants (sulfuric and nitric acid). These acids cause harmful effects on the environment.
How has acid deposition been reduced in the U.S?
by lowering sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.
When does acid deposition occur? (Mr. Abdulahi slides)
when nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxides are released into the atmosphere and combine with atmospheric oxygen and water. These form the secondary pollutants nitric acid and sulfuric acid. The secondary pollutants further break down into nitrate and sulfate, and hydrogen ions (H+) which cause the acid in acid deposition.
What happens for convections in atmosphere in normal conditions?
temperatures decrease with increasing altitudes, and emissions rise into the atmosphere as well.
What happens in convections in atmosphere in thermal inversion ?
Relatively warm inversion layer blankets a cooler layer, and emissions are trapped and accumulate.
The introduction of chemicals, participate matter, or microorganisms into the atmosphere at concentrations high enough to harm plants, animals, and materials such as buildings, or to alter ecosystems.
Air pollution
What does the air pollution system have?
many inputs and outputs
A classifying pollutant which is a corrosive gas that comes primarily from combustion of fuels such as coal and oil.
Sulfur dioxide (S02)
A classifying pollutant that is a respiratory irritant and can adversely affect plant tissue.
Sulfur dioxide (S02)
A classifying pollutant released in large quantities during volcanic eruptions and in much smaller quantities, during forest fires.
Sulfur dioxide (S02)
A classifying pollutant that motor vehicles and stationary fossil fuel combustion are the primary anthropogenic sources of.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
A classifying pollutant that is a respiratory irritant, and increases susceptibility to respiratory infection.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
A classifying pollutant that is an ozone precursor, which leads to formation of photochemical smog.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
A classifying pollutant that converts to nitric acid in atmosphere, which is harmful to aquatic life and some vegetation.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
A classifying pollutant that contributes to over-fertilizing and terrestrial and aquatic systems.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
